DJ, a New Kitty on Halloween Week

Hello and welcome to the blog. Happy Halloween! I hope it’s been a good one! I’ll get back to the previous post in a day or two but there was a development on Sunday night.

I wanted to introduce the friends to a new van trekking pal, Mr. Duke Jasper Harris (aka “DJ”). Duke was born in Jones County a few miles from where Jenny came into being. Duke is about 4 years old – very close to Jenny’s age. Duke has an usual background and I really hope he will find his forever home was worth waiting for!

Duke was a rescue cat and spent time in foster homes. Sadly, he was never adopted. While parents and children played with tiger striped kittens, calicos, and feisty torties at the rescue shelter, Duke went unadopted, watching his friends find forever homes. When I asked why he was not placed, a friend said it was because of Duke’s fur color. It is widely felt that black cats are more difficult to adopt out; many people consider them bad luck or evil.

It broke my heart when I heard what a special kitty this is. The person caring for him said Duke is a bit shy at first but is very loving, gets along great with other cats, and loves the outdoors. Even though I had never seen him until Sunday night, I agreed and told my good friend that Duke would have a loving forever home. He’s still skittish but LOVES to be petted and is very talkative. He’s a very lucky little guy … as he is just starting to find out.

Now to the name…

Some time ago I decided to find a pal for Jennifer and name him Jasper. This summer I worked with the most adorable young couple, a girl named Daphne (a.k.a. “Daffy Duck”) and her fiancé, a kid called Jasper. The name Jasper was so traditional and classy that I immediately said the next cat tomcat would be a “Jasper”. But Duke has been Duke for four years and that is not likely to change. That’s how Duke ended up with the middle name Jasper and the initials D.J.

As time goes by and my little pal and Jennifer become good friends, Duke (DJ or “Dukey duke”) will likely get to ride along camping and fishing and doing guy things… things the other greys, calicos, tabby cats, torties and tiger striped cats can only dream of as they gaze out windows. We’re going to have fun. Jenny is being a little pissy right now but she’ll come around and enjoy the company.

Watch for a new tab for D.J.s page as more photos and adventures happen. I’ll finish up the Muscatine (and other stuff) post soon. No fish were caught but it was still fun and I got some good fall pictures.

Thanks for visiting. Safe and happy camping! Happy Halloween!

Brad, Jennifer, and D.J.
Jones County, Iowa

About VanTrekker

I am a former vandweller in Eastern Iowa who, for several years (off and on), lived in a 2007 Chevy cargo van. I still travel around Iowa with my tortoise shell cat, Jennifer Stefanie.
Our favorite place to explore is the Country Heritage Community, the four far northeastern counties of Iowa (Clayton, Winneshiek, Allamakee, and Fayette). Ride along as we fish in pristine trout streams, enjoy fine home cooked camping meals, and meet new people. It's all possible on a shoestring budget.
Happy travels always! --- Brad, the "Van Trekker"

6 Responses to DJ, a New Kitty on Halloween Week

Hi Jo. Jenny is adapting. She’s a little miffed but is now curiously checking him out for future friendship. I’m sure they will get along very well. he’s really laid back and affectionate – a good fit around here. Take care! Have a good weekend!

Hello to Bosley! DJ has been hiding most of the week… All it took was some off-the-bone turkey and he came around. Duke is finding out how good we eat in this home base. He seems to like hugs, too. 🙂 Take care! — VT

So sweet. I know black dogs are hard to get adopted, too. People just see eyes and teeth. Hopefully by now Jenny has decided she likes her new housemate. Two camping cats! Think of all of the fun stuff they will have you climbing! LOL

Hi and thanks for the note! I’m sure those two will get into all kinds of mischief. Duke wouldn’t come out all week but has been eating and drinking very well. Last night he came out and strutted about, wanting to be petted. At one point both he and Jenny were on my chest as we watched Columbo. She is very curious about him and he seems to like her a lot. Eventually the two will become good friends. It has had another good impact – she seems to be less lonely. By the way, I have a miscellaneous post to work on tonight… It’s got another recipe idea. Take care! It’s off to work (and camping) now. Take care!